tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11137679351960767052024-03-18T20:46:38.689-06:00for posterity...David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.comBlogger928125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-51189963170177917792016-02-21T16:24:00.001-07:002016-02-21T16:24:53.087-07:00Many photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J2UdJpdzBUzp72Dv1YmFnWPAqKUDracBhhGB3ot9KOJsaiiWc7pFhwCSqUb2Iy3kgiC1-hn3Zmj38Xjlga-qlfPGyQrbQvoIuhsQjxpQkZ9IhJtZnk3fAVnWR55VCYs_PvE8npFq4wyi/s640/blogger-image-1837209215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J2UdJpdzBUzp72Dv1YmFnWPAqKUDracBhhGB3ot9KOJsaiiWc7pFhwCSqUb2Iy3kgiC1-hn3Zmj38Xjlga-qlfPGyQrbQvoIuhsQjxpQkZ9IhJtZnk3fAVnWR55VCYs_PvE8npFq4wyi/s640/blogger-image-1837209215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQGMrhaGdC1XMylWauWzdTBjEjX0V5_5Jg3HhHgUmXDpgo2NgceWB41cE6mHirOFTM8-vtrhTzV0LZ54i4t5mngmKB5F3K6I3tZiGQS6BEi9-uNksfvKJSHSopzSgd6WB28ZkLIYRWewy/s640/blogger-image--458680207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQGMrhaGdC1XMylWauWzdTBjEjX0V5_5Jg3HhHgUmXDpgo2NgceWB41cE6mHirOFTM8-vtrhTzV0LZ54i4t5mngmKB5F3K6I3tZiGQS6BEi9-uNksfvKJSHSopzSgd6WB28ZkLIYRWewy/s640/blogger-image--458680207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr3Hk850H71RcmCr-lZzktVMtJLgpU38aFbTeLpjTLP1TWM7GjH6XEAaR5LrEtKhOr1yRIzOaujbeZrhRn8RP8wFduB9KZFJJYcuGNcZrTvjDCV7kxRwTkL2nKm5yoxtGNGENyO2yKv3d/s640/blogger-image--2116725407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">February 2016 in Vancouver. Richmond Centre, sister Ma and me, Sister Yonk and me, MLC, elders Kelly and Jorgensen, Asi and Gurr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rogers Centre, Vancouver Library, international mall, beautiful eagles and Van Dusen Gardens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr3Hk850H71RcmCr-lZzktVMtJLgpU38aFbTeLpjTLP1TWM7GjH6XEAaR5LrEtKhOr1yRIzOaujbeZrhRn8RP8wFduB9KZFJJYcuGNcZrTvjDCV7kxRwTkL2nKm5yoxtGNGENyO2yKv3d/s640/blogger-image--2116725407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Jigq4s6VQ5vgfyXRnCiaMXU6EV2aS_FmxY6TSix0nopiiQIBDLaa08F7vZvi9MPTkpVxTEpIhP72eGpY_7jk425lhLyI_dxDvliZXTHeKKJfC9Vi6ZA0F0SysGvnBBrY9gMIg3NopJqE/s640/blogger-image--557825973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" 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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFByAxKHyHdwjAY7BY60p5ydNx6gMkRTA6_NLYEcs2afN1s4iRUG82QTVz0QiLTkD0uBMsqhdSpqT-OU3e954s9fmt-Tj6ar_zmwub0Z8YNidDprQLpZBZspwyLL27hfHcf8dI8epewTcM/s640/blogger-image-1815229022.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35gwyLcut1fyD4FQL-zKj2hbcOJRFAnVXI5H7HovvEEmddfPvMmPhXUTjURXfWnMD85PHUXzPf3tHwnicxLe19EcQhz2nP3jRFKUoQBngRyvLNs-u5D6C8azD7ZcjdEktaeZZ4oy9jXsO/s640/blogger-image--1422709729.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_PEQG06HYfJ8bnvq3ndaPKM_4umt3-SuP-DHdodWNUUQj8_uR1_T2Ktd9lU0NgOPvH9k-wC3zl_h3anPTjifE0CUNB3IvN6mH7nI18CCLLMEEN8HDKl9qyGCeDxURTEyOPGaU3LLrWt9/s640/blogger-image--1347603058.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPRRXO0dy9DpfRlwkeogiLY8-xnD-hP1DnMDm-NW_iYHFxf0VxqUi7-EmVm8-Hv19MUxJIHZdyi0euEerSzZsS1_chFDFlPKS3HLPOI4M0T0LJyjF5I01meD23GQLVPDW48PIy3FBcRJJ/s640/blogger-image--2131453971.jpg"></div><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGgKdOCB0VBe53ebxezcdc7T2yUKpyQGX38s9NUl3Mn-yCA2rPiJYQ2tC_nJdaYihNQ2Py0VnYm0U7SJ7wkL_cjBaNqQL56u8zWK31-aLpq2_f2VTOeduM_FKxV8ZgQ7hdCrWd7nkgopR/s640/blogger-image-430765288.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTEcmhf36tx2b7mdlOyvZzHU2Wu7YrKSHKWHN6KpvBz05V6vddq3n80X5yCiPG8jhRYoqc9WdHSdl60FRI4w4YXon-hDFGpFLcB8y72QDrq6R0VRFzlnNSTfhTio9j-kbF-Gdip7omSFA/s640/blogger-image-2072029678.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdyAdAgP3sqxSBsKAolvJuv9P5Od4i47GvXDFzrh4rNP8JUa8jVFgu90cdxASO7ZgZut_sISFfbN9LilOcLnfeM2vHmsTuu8bY_CRO59hMv0kRfcm2QOf7oViA5g5fZ5m9w413sBIke91/s640/blogger-image-646975923.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J2UdJpdzBUzp72Dv1YmFnWPAqKUDracBhhGB3ot9KOJsaiiWc7pFhwCSqUb2Iy3kgiC1-hn3Zmj38Xjlga-qlfPGyQrbQvoIuhsQjxpQkZ9IhJtZnk3fAVnWR55VCYs_PvE8npFq4wyi/s640/blogger-image-1837209215.jpg"></div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-17257400287906062292015-09-12T10:30:00.001-06:002015-09-12T10:30:38.417-06:00Squamish, BC with Mikesells, Bernts and Paynes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZxNL7ATVnB6M7HOz40emC0PoE9FyZhr55xati2qLBHgpsvbIzpzwwi9a7h3KtT-FpNjYqPo3PS36ZlOMWTrC7EUQjkFTYt5M__IzckzqhDZTXCBpduPp3ONKeuZtdJzLUFFUDvMmskvm/s1600/20150911_173252-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZxNL7ATVnB6M7HOz40emC0PoE9FyZhr55xati2qLBHgpsvbIzpzwwi9a7h3KtT-FpNjYqPo3PS36ZlOMWTrC7EUQjkFTYt5M__IzckzqhDZTXCBpduPp3ONKeuZtdJzLUFFUDvMmskvm/s640/20150911_173252-1.jpg"> </a> </div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-46985418236409504522015-07-29T14:01:00.001-06:002015-08-18T22:35:06.287-06:00Another Day in Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Last week, senior office missionary couples, Croshaws and Spuhlers took a little p-day field trip on the ferry to Vancouver Island, to spend a little time with MLS (member and leader supporter) missionary couple, the Snars, who live in Sidney, home of the ferry port. As island residents, they know their way around and have a few connections...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1U5IbIPyFws-k7uAlYpVLTj3H1B0DhgnVkhY0JkfV9XNMkU4w1z8ZvBkOdqj7tIsNC1UqXsXhD_2o5Ky_TpeWeYFi7-ivdDJ81Oen4rSDd8cj1aNpYUqdogDnRspoqBnTvkAyS1JWPsm/s1600/20150718_110343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1U5IbIPyFws-k7uAlYpVLTj3H1B0DhgnVkhY0JkfV9XNMkU4w1z8ZvBkOdqj7tIsNC1UqXsXhD_2o5Ky_TpeWeYFi7-ivdDJ81Oen4rSDd8cj1aNpYUqdogDnRspoqBnTvkAyS1JWPsm/s640/20150718_110343.jpg" /></a></div>
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...such as this great, little member family, who have a beautiful home near Victoria. Knowing we were coming, they invited us into their home, fed us breakfast and serenaded us in perfect harmony. This "photo" is the still of a video that I could not get to upload, featuring one three songs the favored us with. I wish I could share their music with you -- it was a highlight of our day. We are told that this family of Mom, Dad, and five beautiful girls (one set twins) performs routinely for firesides and other island events, as a way to serve others and share their testimonies. They also open their home often for missionary activities.<br />
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After that bit of fulfillment, we were off to tour the island, including visits to a few other members and investigators, several of the First Nation (Indian) reservations, a great ice cream parlor...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKy74qZfV683rHww-ZpNg3Hsyd_4QaxAx6q-cHvt7jklxLXjBv02aIUzmErcvL8dOaPmNP6zzAXGoAzL9CIWYK8-6dWM5UOP0sHELmK7tfoBjgvfwoa_ry9hrgK13YG_ucWiSHLvLIesj/s1600/20150718_134122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKy74qZfV683rHww-ZpNg3Hsyd_4QaxAx6q-cHvt7jklxLXjBv02aIUzmErcvL8dOaPmNP6zzAXGoAzL9CIWYK8-6dWM5UOP0sHELmK7tfoBjgvfwoa_ry9hrgK13YG_ucWiSHLvLIesj/s640/20150718_134122.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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...and Butchart Gardens, our second tour this month. Never get tired of it. Here, Sisters Spuhler, Croshaw, and Snar, are right in their element with all the other beautiful flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9D5PBswgjQYk0fnoOb6Aj-3cQ7J5QzT_x7Ld8sqaI5IkAkUdyGusjLEwc5_7KSfvFl6djsTR_It8rizQeKaSnfIjl2S_VzzEm-yb7a_govi0dyMZuvgKfxNnHXTkKwFfHtgjdnhuITzq/s1600/20150718_134724-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9D5PBswgjQYk0fnoOb6Aj-3cQ7J5QzT_x7Ld8sqaI5IkAkUdyGusjLEwc5_7KSfvFl6djsTR_It8rizQeKaSnfIjl2S_VzzEm-yb7a_govi0dyMZuvgKfxNnHXTkKwFfHtgjdnhuITzq/s640/20150718_134724-1.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Elder Snar, Elder Croshaw, and Elder Spuhler, sharing the love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iKrf6dx1rbIljNIQz1gJGHc0tNJ6fNAmpH0R_n4ZuHtYspPfYa6LXyanEPzYqE1aQp9dc0PVAwjD25BGYsY41oq2k11tvkdQkbi5ZeU-snxjklU6avbcE6mdX_hpaovU8VwcnEsXQhrT/s1600/20150717_185801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iKrf6dx1rbIljNIQz1gJGHc0tNJ6fNAmpH0R_n4ZuHtYspPfYa6LXyanEPzYqE1aQp9dc0PVAwjD25BGYsY41oq2k11tvkdQkbi5ZeU-snxjklU6avbcE6mdX_hpaovU8VwcnEsXQhrT/s640/20150717_185801.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Abundant flowers and green stuff of every kind. In spite of a present drought and water restrictions, the Gardens, being the major tourist attraction for the island, are allowed to water as much as needed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyxz6yi60n1UbzlfQSBImEnpWAZIyY-kl-ghX022ZyGkPZr2MIZtM9nWi-HyYr9Q7zGGEXXOpGepxYZndiiNNH9uqkoGNuYX_GD1ZWSarOz8UaJlNS5CmJglLwrI40rtZkG5Yi2y1uX6T/s1600/20150717_190104-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyxz6yi60n1UbzlfQSBImEnpWAZIyY-kl-ghX022ZyGkPZr2MIZtM9nWi-HyYr9Q7zGGEXXOpGepxYZndiiNNH9uqkoGNuYX_GD1ZWSarOz8UaJlNS5CmJglLwrI40rtZkG5Yi2y1uX6T/s640/20150717_190104-1.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Even a little purple stuff.</div>
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We ended the day back in Sidney to board the ferry back to the mainland. It was a very fulfilling and rejuvenating day</div>
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David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-79863147429264449002015-07-10T15:56:00.000-06:002015-07-12T22:21:04.097-06:00Cindy<div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier this week I went teaching with the Richmond Sisters—Shahamati
(from Canada, Iranian heritage) and Mathialagan (from India). We went to visit Cindy, a woman from mainland
China. We have been meeting with her for
a long time, and a couple of months ago we were going to ‘reflect’ her. That is the nice new missionary word for dropping
them. This was my second lesson with
her, and I was pretty nervous, never being part of a ‘reflecting’ lesson. By the time the lesson was over, it was clear
that they should not reflect her. So, we
have persisted. The lessons have been
sporadic, and the Sisters teaching has changed as well. I even texted her myself once just to see how
she was doing. Her husband left for China
about 2 months ago, to work their business.
He will be there for an extended period of time. She has a lot of
responsibility because she works and has two young sons 12 and 5. It is understandably difficult handling all of
this by herself. They are in contact
fairly often with FaceTime. A couple of
weeks ago I went to another lesson, this time with Shahamati and Gamble and
McKee (the Sister Training Leader). It
was a good lesson, but we never seem to make much progress. When we would try to talk to her about God,
she tells us—I say ‘tells us’ because she has told us this same thing many
times- that she feels like she has to do everything on her own. If anything gets done, it has to be done by
her, no one helps her, she does not feel like God is there helping her, she is
alone in her duties and responsibilities.
It’s really sad to me that she feels like this. I suggested that we do everything we can, and
the Lord magnifies our efforts and we are able to do much more than we really
could do all by ourselves. This effort
was to no avail. She has maintained that
she does it all by herself. After the
lesson, Sister McKee suggested that they turn her over to the Chinese-speaking Sisters. They both speak English, but
for the times when she just can’t quite describe how she feels, or does not
really understand what the sisters are teaching her, the Chinese sisters could
communicate with her in her native tongue.
I felt at the time like that was pure inspiration. It was what Cindy needed. So that was the new plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we went last night, I went in with Shahamati and
Mathialagan. They were there for about
10 minutes, and the Chinese sisters arrived—Sister Yeung (Hong Kong) and Sister
Edvalson (American Fork—adopted from China).
Then Sisters Shahamati and Mathialagan left. It was a smooth transition. We met Cindy’s parents, who have come over
from China to help her, and will be here until September 30. She says she can’t go to church while they
are here, but she will come as soon as they leave. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So we are reading in Alma 32, discussing faith. Faith is a difficult word to describe, and
there is also the language barrier. She
wants to do everything in English, because English is the language of
Canada. The sisters gave her an English
and Chinese Book of Mormon, but her husband took the Book of Mormon to China
with him on this last trip. She wants it
all to be in English. So we are talking
about faith, and belief in God. She
again brings up that we are all on our own, no one is there to help us,
etc. Sister Edvalson then says to
her. It is like your little boy. He wants to do things all by himself. You let him, but you watch over him. You make sure he is safe. He continues by himself, but you (Cindy) are
there, and she holds her hand out with her palms up, showing how Cindy would be
ready to catch him if he were to fall. Then,
she compares this experience to the way our Heavenly Father watches over
us. He watches us as we perform our
tasks. He is there, even if we don’t’
know. He is standing by, and is ready to
catch us if we fall. It was the most
amazing thing. I saw the understanding
come into Cindy’s eyes. She got it! She said, I heard what you said and I am
happy. It was soon time for us to go,
and she asked them to leave her an assignment, like a teacher. They asked her to continue reading Alma 32,
but she said it is too big. So Sister
Edvalson suggested verses 27-29 and verses 42-43. Then she said, why don’t we read it together
in Chinese, then when you are studying it during the week, you can read it in
English. Cindy agreed, and read it
herself. It was brilliant. Cindy was a different person. She suggested that we meet next week at the
same time. She was the one suggesting
when we meet. It felt like she was
finally progressing. I thought of this scripture:<o:p></o:p></div>
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D and C 90:11 - For it shall come to pass in that day, that every an shall hear the fullness<span class="apple-converted-space"> of the gospel in his own
tongue, and in his own<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">language</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">,
through those who are<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">ordained</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"> </span>unto this<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">power</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">,
by the administration of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">Comforter</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">,
shed forth upon them for the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">revelation</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"> </span>of Jesus Christ.</span><br />
<br />
Hearing the gospel in her own language made all the difference. I don’t’
know where things will go from here, but it was a breakthrough. The church is true. These young missionaries are so
inspired. Loving life in Canada.</div>
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David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-28457667547535729672015-06-30T23:01:00.001-06:002015-07-12T22:42:06.387-06:00Some Quality BC Time with Esparzas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The Esparza segment of the posterity (Leslie, Alex, Lola, Mila, and Yet-Unborn Baby Girl,) visited BC last week, and we spent some quality time in some beautiful places here in the Vancouver area, most of which was recorded in pictures. I had a plan for an organized post that would thoroughly explain it all, so organized that I was not finding time to get it posted. So, Debby took the bull by the horns and just posted all the photos from my phone, leaving the rhetoric to me. So, it may not be organized, but it will be complete - long (lots of photos,) but I'll try to keep the verbage to a minimum</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO3rQ6nd387ULXRoSGOF6EoZFEvwedAIhG8URXXrZHTMo0ym_gqvVpPvUZJPssJzjfIp9eZKnaIPYKXNTkFg79MoSKdmbZQUUB7-YwTc4KVtROcwN1hyphenhyphen4KcnEbq1-DLQlranDcdeFfkOA/s1600/20150625_122223-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO3rQ6nd387ULXRoSGOF6EoZFEvwedAIhG8URXXrZHTMo0ym_gqvVpPvUZJPssJzjfIp9eZKnaIPYKXNTkFg79MoSKdmbZQUUB7-YwTc4KVtROcwN1hyphenhyphen4KcnEbq1-DLQlranDcdeFfkOA/s640/20150625_122223-1.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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On the first day, before Alex arrived (separate flight,) Mom and Grandma went for a pedicure, So Grandpa got to take the girls for a while. We picked up A&W (big up here) burgers and poutine (Canadian french fries-with Mozerella cheeze and gravy,) and went to a park. Here's Mila begging for more poutine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86rhNxxDpFpxW3EtibvxvWPY6hzD0VaNs2N-U6OYTz8lNE1f5k6qBfGaF_dFvtWYZlro1pMQUuDgADKpKXBQNGsfdOx8rXApiVKyDUXQEuEFdays_82UAPauCHb2GedCoku-hxrcyKGk4/s1600/20150625_122232-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86rhNxxDpFpxW3EtibvxvWPY6hzD0VaNs2N-U6OYTz8lNE1f5k6qBfGaF_dFvtWYZlro1pMQUuDgADKpKXBQNGsfdOx8rXApiVKyDUXQEuEFdays_82UAPauCHb2GedCoku-hxrcyKGk4/s640/20150625_122232-1.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Lola just wanted to play in the gravel and on the toys, in what we thought was a park, but turned out to be the playground of a school, which soon let out for recess. We were thronged by young Chinese kids who were very interested in these two little light-skinned girls. So, I started taking pictures of them together, and it wasn't long before a teacher was right there, advising us in no uncertain terms, that we could not be there and I could not take photos. So we had to leave, Grandpa feeling like some kind of perv.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc05Oz8n0ChF1Yf5ER_A-w5KDp5H1vO7GjeDmzVL0s9X5-Vxf2txkAQSg1HeEvsXrYFO0IqFN-i1B7rZJs_VLKFZ0xr2fv3v-bdojRsiBzsrQhKrWlMncxEqyAr0PJArt755nNNWMnpWGP/s1600/20150626_095646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc05Oz8n0ChF1Yf5ER_A-w5KDp5H1vO7GjeDmzVL0s9X5-Vxf2txkAQSg1HeEvsXrYFO0IqFN-i1B7rZJs_VLKFZ0xr2fv3v-bdojRsiBzsrQhKrWlMncxEqyAr0PJArt755nNNWMnpWGP/s640/20150626_095646.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next day, after Papa Alex arrived, we boarded a ferry bound for Vancouver Island...</div>
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...and there, we took a little stroll through the Garden of Eden, aka Butchart Gardens...</div>
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Something about this place makes you want to push a stroller under a flowering arch.</div>
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Lola seems right at home here in Heaven</div>
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Even though this is almost as far away as they can get from their S. Florida home, and still be in the North American Mainland, they all acclimated well to Pacific air and time zone.</div>
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Mila, however, missed pretty much the whole garden, as she had better things to do.</div>
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If we are in Heaven, where does this stairway lead??</div>
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A single stock from the ground provides all this green stuff. Wish it worked that way back in our arid Idaho desert home.</div>
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Looking across Victoria harbor at the Empress Hotel</div>
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Red double-decker tour buses - a little taste of London, here in <b><u>British</u> </b>Columbia.</div>
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This is how you know it is not London - the Totem pole on the lawn of the provincial government building is from the Haida First Nation (Indian) tribe. Even though it is on an Island, Victoria is the capital city of BC.</div>
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Back over on the mainland, you can hop on this carriage and ride all over Stanley Park in Vancouver</div>
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Looking across the harbor from Stanley Park at part of the Vancouver skyline</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW41Lzjwu4Iy7TP23odcIvYZSiowkGgFk22wosRbqX_iX96w46W6tc7IDtI7HWTxmMwlEp3LN1_MLVDOgikV8F0In-7TsCAydRTQ8LTTqVAXRy3aKlu8SoG4Cm3NZ_iJVnBLtLFaFw9FZ/s1600/20150627_140459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW41Lzjwu4Iy7TP23odcIvYZSiowkGgFk22wosRbqX_iX96w46W6tc7IDtI7HWTxmMwlEp3LN1_MLVDOgikV8F0In-7TsCAydRTQ8LTTqVAXRy3aKlu8SoG4Cm3NZ_iJVnBLtLFaFw9FZ/s640/20150627_140459.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Part of our walk through Stanley Park involved this little train game, so we wouldn't get lost in the woods (Lola's idea.)</div>
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Just putting dogs on notice that the Canadian geese militantly own this park. They hardly get out of the way for humans, unless you have a shotgun in your hands.</div>
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Down on the beach, however, this dog had other things to chase.</div>
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Speaking of dogs, it's not all fun and games, and the park police are not kidding. $2,000! - mortgage the house, sell the kids.</div>
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Lawn Bowling anyone? Sorry, members only.</div>
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The sun lovers of Vancouver. Problem is, the water is anything but warm this far north.</div>
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Back at home, in the park across the street from our apartment, these girls love to swing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUkJBb4LyiRJlqQo7JgF8jDxeOaS67yTMXIS0HLj8Bx2zp9dznHA6TeAKlzDtcJCpPOyJIpZEWPbGWEIc8L-20smDADlau4KOne2jymmAunzyv5CO8u23V64DZuXJOfhtgZvqAoapPFhg/s1600/20150629_080613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUkJBb4LyiRJlqQo7JgF8jDxeOaS67yTMXIS0HLj8Bx2zp9dznHA6TeAKlzDtcJCpPOyJIpZEWPbGWEIc8L-20smDADlau4KOne2jymmAunzyv5CO8u23V64DZuXJOfhtgZvqAoapPFhg/s640/20150629_080613.jpg" /></a>Waiting to head back to the US, Mila, annoyed by the bustling traffic on the street,</div>
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gave them a piece of her mind. Bye bye Esparzas.</div>
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So, we've now had visits from VanderLouws and Esparzas, and we look forward to the Colin Croshaws in August, Delgadillos in September, Chipman's in November(?), the Matt Croshaw's whenever they can, and to friends in between. Life is good. Our work is fulfilling and we are happy.</div>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-73519714222229769652015-06-23T12:21:00.002-06:002015-06-23T12:21:23.251-06:00Eight days until Canada Day!We work with a couple in the office from Utah-the Spuhlers. They have a daughter-in-law from Brazil. She recently returned to Brazil for about a month to spend time with her Father. He is very ill, not expected to live much longer. When she first decided to go her passport had expired, so it took her a while to make all the arrangements to get to Brazil. She did make it on time, and was able to spend lots of time with her Father. When she had been there over two weeks, she realized she wanted her Father to get a blessing, so she started looking for the local branch/ward. She found a ward page on Facebook. She sent a message to them and explained her situation and asked if someone could come and give her Father a blessing. Within five minutes, someone had responded. It was the first counselor, and he told her he would come over right after work. He did come, driving all the way across the city. He stopped at home, and changed into his suit. He sat down with her father, and asked him what he wanted to know. He told him he would answer any questions he had. They talked for a long time. This man was able to talk to him not as a young elder might have been able to. Finally he gave this man, who a few hours before had been a stranger, a blessing. It was a very sweet blessing. The man's wife was weeping so much that she had to leave the room. As he left, he told him he would be back.<br />
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Sister Spuhler's daughter found the location of the ward and the following Sunday went to church. She was warmly greeted by the members, who knew of her situation, not realizing how much she had missed her own ward family.<br />
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We often talk about being a world wide church. No matter where we go we will hear the same lessons, go through the same process for meetings and ordinances. It is all familiar to us. But, we also have perhaps an even greater blessing to be surrounded by disciples of Jesus Christ, who are often ready and willing to extend love, comfort and support. We are so blessed to be part of this world wide group of caring, loving individuals, who genuinely care about their brothers and sisters. <br />
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Sunday afternoon we taught a young woman from Japan, and another young woman from Korea. Following this, we went to teach a man, Prince, from Ghana. He came here via Ohio, where he earned a Master's in Public Health. He is now getting his PhD,at UBC and hopes to work for the United Nations to help others countries with food/health related issues. His fiancee is in Sandusky. David mentioned that that's where that movie with Chris Farley was based. It didn't appear that the elders of the investigator knew about Tommy Boy. Anyway, it was an inspiring lesson, and he sincerely wants to find truth. I felt his sincerity. However, it is sometimes so difficult to make the changes that truth requires in our lives. I hope he has the strength to make those changes. He is a really, really nice guy. The missionaries made a follow up appointment. We are praying for him.<br />
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Warm weather in British Columbia. They need some rain. Lawns are turning brown. The strawberries came on early, and didn't last too long. The fresh fruit here is so delicious. One other thing--they don't do pennies in BC. If you have credit or debit charges, they do pennies, but you don't get them in change. They just round up or down. Leslie, Lola and Mila come tomorrow. Alex comes the next day. We are going to the island on Friday. This is transfer week. Lots of changes as your former missionaries know--sadness seeing missionaries go home, but lots of excitement as the new missionaries arrive. Life is good. The church is true. Jesus Christ has all the answers.David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-26147370491974011052015-06-15T08:12:00.001-06:002015-06-18T23:52:04.447-06:00<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of our recent teaching experiences (photos below) have uniquely brought to mind, a passage of New Testament scripture, which accounts for the world-wide characteristic of today's Christianity. Subsequent to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, He had conferred the Holy Ghost upon His Apostles and commanded them to feed His sheep. They proceeded to do so, traveling about Israel, sharing the good news of His gospel and seeking converts only among the Jews, as those outside the Abrahamic covenant (Gentiles,) were considered to be unworthy, unclean. The Apostles so proselyted in the face of peril, as Israel was ruled at the time by Rome, which was not tolerant of this new religion and its leaders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the tenth chapter of Acts, we read of an event which would become the tipping point, where, by the will of God, His Church would leave the tight confines of Israel and advance into the world, to become available to all mankind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This episode starts in Caesarea, as a certain Roman Centurion named Cornelius, a devout, God-fearing man, who was kind to the poor and prayed to God always, was visited by an angel and told that his "alms [had] come up for a memorial before God." Therefore, he was to send men to Joppa (on the Mediterranean coast - about 33 miles distance, or a couple of days journey by chariot) and seek out a man named Peter who would give him advice, who was the senior Apostle, the president and prophet of the new Church of Christ. Cornelius immediately complied by sending an entourage of trusted soldiers to Joppa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, the next day, Peter, while praying on the roof of his dwelling, became very hungry and fell into a "trance", or vision, where he saw a vessel descend from heaven, wherein were all manner for four </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">footed beasts and creeping things, and a voice said to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat," to which Peter answered, "Not so Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." [This reflected Peter's strict adherence to the restrictive Jewish health code of the day that precluded the eating various kinds of meat from certain hoofed and wild animals.]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Peter's refusal, the Voice then said, <b>"What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."</b> This exchange occurred three times, and then the vessel was taken back up into heaven. As Peter awoke from this vision, and queried what it might mean, Cornelius's men arrived at the gate of his residence and the Spirit told him that three men sought him, and that he was to go with them. Without that spiritual direction, Peter may have been reluctant to go with them, seeing that he and his followers faced persecution at the hands of the Romans. However, because of the Spirit's direction and the mens' explanation, he readily went with them to the house of Cornelius.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Cornelius had called together all his kinsmen and friends ("many,") awaiting Peter's arrival. As Peter approached, Cornelius went out to meet him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. Peter took him up saying, "Stand up; I myself also am a man." And then, seemingly now comprehending the meaning of his earlier vision, he said to them, "Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." Cornelius said to him, "We [are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, Peter said, "<b>Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."</b> (We are all His children, and He loves us all equally. He desires that we all know His saving gospel.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then he proceeded to enumerate the gospel message (first principles and ordinances, the atonement) to this gathering, <b>as do our missionaries today:</b> "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That word, I say, ye know, which was published thoughout Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Peter so taught by the Spirit, "the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard his word. And they of the circumcision (Jews,) as many as came with Peter, were astonished, because that on the Gentiles also, was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." And Peter said, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" And thus, Cornelius and his house became the first Gentiles to be baptized as Christians.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This area of the world, British Columbia, has become an expansive melting pot of the world, accepting immigrants of virtually any nationality. A few weeks ago, while sitting in a park with we observed Korean Elders Kim (full-blood Korean born in Korea, raised in Boise) and Murray (half Korean, half Caucasian,) teach in English, two attentive Buddhist women from Tibet, who like Cornelius are good, God-fearing people, but who had no prior concept of Jesus Christ and His gospel. They talked of good and bad karma, reincarnation, etc., but I believe they were impressed when Elder Murray told them that the atonement of Jesus Christ could take away their bad karma, and provide them immortality through resurrection. They agreed to a follow-up appointment to learn more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier that week, we had helped teach a man from Iran who announced that it was time for him to become a Christian, that he had read the Farsi Book of Mormon in two days, and that he knew it to be true. He was particularly impressed with the kindness and gentility of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (p.s. he decided not to be baptized because of the safety of his sisters.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later in the week, we helped Elders Okamoto and Porter teach a Korean woman who had become discouraged by divorce and single parenthood, who felt that she had lost her way, that she needed something sound to give her confidence to move forward. I believe she has found it in the attentive teaching of Elders Okamoto and Porter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Debby has recently taken on the responsibility of teaching an ESL (English as a Second Language) class twice a week at the mission office. Most of the class members are Chinese (Richmond, BC is more than 70% Chinese), and some have no English skills. One of the class members is currently also being taught the message of Christ in her own language by young missionaries. We have been blessed to observe some of that activity as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just last week, again with Korean Elders Kim and Murray, in the same park as before,...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we had opportunity to help share the gospel message with two asian roommates, one from Japan and the other from Korea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously intelligent and bright-eyed, neither of them had any firm religious affiliation. We'll see where that goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week on a visit to Kelowna, in the Okanagan interior of BC, we spent some quality time with Elders Huni, Davis, and Ortiz. They readily express confidence in their knowledge of the true gospel as they approach anyone who will listen and excitedly share the message. The mission goes through many boxes of pass-along cards every month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They can also go through a lot of food, and are always happy to have visits from senior couple missionaries who are willing to feed them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last month, we had the unique experience of attending a Korean wedding where this beautiful young woman, born and raised in the Church, married this dynamic young man who is a recent convert. They were married in typical western dress (gown and tuxedo,) but donned this traditional Korean garb out of respect for their elders. They anticipate a trip the the temple in about a year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many devout Sikh and Hindu followers in this area, mostly from India. Our landlords are such, and we have found them to be very kind, family oriented people. Not many from this group have accepted the gospel of Christ, but in time, it will happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in the park with Elders Kim and Murray, we are impressed with their passion for spreading the word. Every spare minute is filled with efforts to find new investigators. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are confident in the truth and the eternal benefits of the message, and do all they can to invite others to come unto Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we associate with the established Korean Branch of the Church here, we become the recipients of many a feast at the hands of these good people who love one another and do all they can to associate with others who love the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These two young ladies are native Chinese speakers, Sister Yeung on the right, from Hong Kong, and Sister Tsai on tthe left, from Taiwan. They are very faithful and work so hard to bring the gospel of Christ to their people here in British Columbia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a photo of a photo of a tribal gathering of Haida Indians the "First Nation" or original natives of coastal British Columbia. They primarily subsist on an island off the BC coast, called Haida Gwaii. They are well known as Totem carvers, using the abundant giant red cedar trees as their canvas. There is a branch of the Church presently on Haida Gwaii.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These senior couple missionaries are listening to English translation of the spoken word in the Korean Branch Sacrament meeting we attend each week. In spite of our language barrier, those resourceful and tech-savvy Korean people have got us covered. There is no question in our minds that they love us as a brother and sister, as we love them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How great is it that God is no respecter of persons? That He loves us all equally, from every nation. How great is it that 2,000 years ago, through the Apostle Peter, he opened the gate and provided the way for all of us Gentiles to hear His word, to receive an opportunity through the Atonement of His Son, to find our way back to Him? We are all brothers and sisters in His eternal family. He desires that we might all pass the test and return to Him. </span></div>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-50596587637025453462015-06-04T21:52:00.001-06:002015-06-04T21:52:49.052-06:00ESL ClassThese are three of the people in my ESL class. On the left is Peng Fei. She speaks almost no English. On the right is Samuel. His wife Viviana is in the second picture. They both speak quite good English. They help me translate for Fei. Fei is a recent convert. They are all from mainland China. Very, very nice people.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4YXhy7YoO01fGXLQjvfsxoPRFzxmybJhhn6qLSJ2LD0mSIOLEakeN7BIFu68V08X1s13Xc3vOcB-goeralQKVtUE6GPXOBhVpziumv7bPTlTltEx8RHGvgkmdNZumUx1HUtvnP5friD1/s640/blogger-image-3986617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4YXhy7YoO01fGXLQjvfsxoPRFzxmybJhhn6qLSJ2LD0mSIOLEakeN7BIFu68V08X1s13Xc3vOcB-goeralQKVtUE6GPXOBhVpziumv7bPTlTltEx8RHGvgkmdNZumUx1HUtvnP5friD1/s640/blogger-image-3986617.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3OKvgfpb4_FeuLyJVgyY88i-X2mqh0l8No67bJMiyAXAUL8fDosyXUpfQAU0-giRqADX6FJcMIKcK4yBE61RRHRwjEThAgZgsQTITuZ2qBSh6CvX6OgWyxsaPEWti_z0VAKHYA2qNthx/s640/blogger-image--1542194860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3OKvgfpb4_FeuLyJVgyY88i-X2mqh0l8No67bJMiyAXAUL8fDosyXUpfQAU0-giRqADX6FJcMIKcK4yBE61RRHRwjEThAgZgsQTITuZ2qBSh6CvX6OgWyxsaPEWti_z0VAKHYA2qNthx/s640/blogger-image--1542194860.jpg"></a></div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-85654436513682544182015-06-04T16:05:00.001-06:002015-06-04T16:05:44.783-06:00Another missionaries experience Yesterday I went to a zone meeting. I sat by one of the zone leaders. He started telling us about an experience he had at metro town. This is a huge shopping center, sky train station in Burnaby. He said the security guards have been giving them a really bad time lately, telling them they are making people uncomfortable and they need to stop. Then he said last week they started to walk into the mall and a security guard spotted them and came right over. He told the elders that they could no longer come to the mall and they needed to leave right then. They were shocked. They asked him what had happened. He told the elders there had been many complaints. People reported feeling threatened and harassed. They asked to talk to his supervisor but he said he wasn't available. At that moment-terrible timing-a man came up to the security guard and started complaining about missionaries who wouldn't leave him alone. After the guy left, the missionaries again asked to see the supervisor. At this point I am feeling great anxiety, thinking how much I would hate to be in this confrontational situation. I am getting more and more uncomfortable with each sentence. The elder said he did t know what they would do if they couldn't go to metro town. They park there, ear there, find there. He was very concerned. He didn't say it, but I am sure both of them were praying for divine intervention. They finally convinced the security guard to let them talk to his supervisor. They went to the office and the security guard was in the supervisor's office a long time. When the supervisor finally came out he told the missionaries that they could not prevent them from coming into the mall. I can't remember all he said, but essentially told them the security guards had no power to stop them from entering the mall any more. They were so relieved. They felt like, and I believe too, that it was a miracle. I have also had times, especially driving when I have totally been protected. I always pray for safety when we travel. It reminds me of when Les was on her mission she said she felt protected by angels. This is a sacred work we are involved in. The gospel of Jesus Christ really is the good news for the world. David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-74121926123598523172015-05-19T18:59:00.001-06:002015-05-19T18:59:02.350-06:00Donna's NoteThis was on the red (not Toyota) I mentioned in the previous post. So glad we could help. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXqIkDf8DL5uuf-MgeDKEB0JpnkEXYDDUk_b-e7ZavA0tzBnMruzWiuTeswUyGLklNHUdGtzmHRpx-ZRpOTntC382ug1mRHASMeq9J1audEBX29iC-4dTCpypIRoqkA3WGz-j190RXtkN/s640/blogger-image--1809727553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXqIkDf8DL5uuf-MgeDKEB0JpnkEXYDDUk_b-e7ZavA0tzBnMruzWiuTeswUyGLklNHUdGtzmHRpx-ZRpOTntC382ug1mRHASMeq9J1audEBX29iC-4dTCpypIRoqkA3WGz-j190RXtkN/s640/blogger-image--1809727553.jpg"></a></div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-84151951781319416702015-05-18T17:22:00.000-06:002015-05-18T22:56:03.129-06:00Miracles still happen today.<div class="MsoNormal">
May 18, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple of events in the last two weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A mental health worker called our office one day last
week. She proceeded to tell me the story
of a woman she works with who went to get her license renewed, failed the test,
and was not able to drive her car home.
First of all, I have no idea how she got our number. As she was telling me the details I asked, “Are
you a member of our church?” No. “Is this woman a member of our church?” No.
Oh. Anyway, her car was in a mall
parking lot, not too far from us, and could we please help her. I thought for a second or two, tried to get a
few more details, then told her we could pick it up and drive it to our church
parking lot, and someone going in that direction could drive it home. She told me she would bring the car keys to
me. She gave me the woman’s her address and telephone number (it was incorrect). She said it was a red Toyota, older model,
parked in a handicap spot at the Landsdowne Mall. It got later and later in the day, so I
looked up this address, and decided David and I could go pick it up, and just
drive it to her home. We drove to the
mall, and quickly discovered that there didn’t seem to be any red Toyotas in
the lot, and certainly not in any handicap parking spaces. So, we started stopping by red cars and David
got out to see if the key worked. I
tried to park to kind of cover him up, in case the owner might walk up and have
Elder Croshaw arrested for attempted breaking and entering, or some other
serious lawlessness. We only tried this
on two or three cars, though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the first car, he told me that it was NOT a
Toyota. The keys were to a GM car. So we altered our search. Instead of going back, we continued around
the mall, and eventually saw a red car (Chevy), older model in a handicapped
parking space. There was a note on the
windshield, asking whoever read it to please not ticket or tow the car because
she was trying really hard to find someone to pick up the car and she was on
low income. The key worked, and away we
went. I was trying to remember exactly
how to get there, and once we were in Ladner (or maybe it was Delta, not sure),
I put the address in my GPS. Didn’t
work. So on we drove, and eventually
found the apartment building.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An older lady (later she told me she was 94—a very spry 94!)
was taking out her garbage and when asked, told me there was a Donna in the
apartment, but she didn’t know her last name.
I found the name on the list of residents outside, and this nice lady
let me in. I went up to Donna Penner’s room
and knocked. I had to knock several
times, but eventually she came to the door.
Once she understood when I was telling her, she started looking for her
keys. Her thinking was a little fuzzy,
and her legs were swollen because she had walked to the store. She told me about her legs, not her
fuzziness. Donna has long blonde hair
with very dark black roots—indeterminate age.
After five minutes or so, she found her keys, and slipped on some pink
flip flops. We went outside and she
showed Elder Croshaw where to park her car.
I offered her an lds.org card, and asked her if she believed in Jesus
Christ. She said yes, she used to go to
church all the time. Elder Croshaw, the
good missionary he is, asked her if we could send missionaries. She said yes.
She thanked us several times, and soon she was safely back inside the
building and we were on our way home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The sisters had an appointment with her, but she wasn't
there. They will keep trying. As I said, she was a little fuzzy, I think
from medication—not a judgment, just an observation. Hopefully the missionaries will be able to
meet up with her some time. She was
quite nice. As they told us, I think in
the MTC, we cannot tell by outward appearance who will accept the Gospel and
who will not. We hope Donna will be
receptive, but it was a fun adventure for, anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also last week, I sat in on the missionary lesson of a
lifetime--the miracle part. I don’t expect to have an
experience like this again on my mission.
I had gone to another lesson with Sharom (or Shaun his Canadian name)
and at the first lesson everything the missionaries told him he would say, I
believe that. This was unusual, because
he is Muslim, from Iran. His parents,
however, raised him with very Christian values, and taught him about the
Savior. Anyway, at lesson #2 for me, we
sat down and I think Elder Briscoe asked him a question, and he was off and
running. He told us he had read the Book
of Mormon in two days. He would have
finished it in one day, but his head hurt so much at 1:30 a.m. that he had to stop
reading. He said as he read it he felt
like he was there with the people in the Book of Mormon. He believed everything he read. He knew it was true. He is ready to be a Christian and follow
Jesus Christ for the rest of his life.
He told us the only time in his life he remembers crying was when he
parents died, but as he was reading the Book of Mormon he had tears flowing out
of his eyes. I really did think of Parley P. Pratt as he was telling this to us.</div>
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He also told us that he has
visited many churches, but when he entered this building, it felt
different. He knew this was where he
wanted to be. All his life he has tried
to do things that he knows Jesus would want him to do. He feels that God has been watching out for
him. He talked for about 10 minutes, so
I am leaving a lot out, but Sharom has a baptismal date for June 7. We went to a baptism last night, and Sharom
was there. If you had seen him, you
would not have thought he was an investigator.
In fact, he kind of looks like an Elder’s Quorum President. Anyway, it was an amazing experience, and I
feel so blessed to have been there. I
believe there will be another lesson tomorrow afternoon. I’m looking forward to it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Adding something I just remembered. When I was in my first lesson with Sharom, Elder Briscoe was talking about the Book or Mormon, holding it up and describing it to Sharom. Sharom leans forward and says, can I have that book. Dream question. Uh, yes, you can. I also got her a Farsi translation of the Book of Mormon, as well. That is the one he read in two days. On with the story.</div>
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Just to give a little idea of his humble, teachable nature,
he had previously told us that he had a serious back injury. The week of this lesson, he had an
appointment with a Dr. for his back. He
had tried several medications, but did not like the way they made him
feel. Then, at this lesson, Elder
Hohneke taught him about the word of wisdom, and Sharom asked if he could take
liquid marijuana for his back. He told
us that his Dr. had recommended it and he was going in the next day. He said, ( I am paraphrasing) if you guys tell me that I shouldn't take
this, that is against the word of wisdom, I won’t get it. The Elders told him that it is against the
word of wisdom, so that is all it took.
He has a very good spirit, and is willing to do whatever he needs to to
join the church. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sharom is a miracle. Investigators like this just don't show up every day. There really are people out there who are prepared and looking for the truth. These good missionaries here, and all over the world, in fact, keep looking for them every day. </div>
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More later. Becky,
Ray and family are coming this week. Can’t
wait to see them. The Canada Vancouver
Mission is a great place to be. We are
happy, and it is still beautiful inside and out.<o:p></o:p></div>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-9152285040894604352015-05-17T00:15:00.002-06:002015-05-17T00:15:19.482-06:00From Lori--BCMormons.com--the beginnings of the Vancouver Temple<div class="page" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: arimo-1, arimo-2, Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Page 1">
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In the fall of 2005, I was serving as the Abbotsford Stake President. I received a call from a gentleman in Salt Lake City who wanted to come visit with me. He did not disclose the matter he wanted to discuss. We met in Langley and he informed me that he was here to investigate the possibility of building a temple in Vancouver. Together we viewed three possible locations in the area. Three weeks later the same man returned to meet with all three of the local stake presidents. As a group we reviewed and discussed all the possible locations and were informed that President Gordon B. Hinckley, would visit the area to make the final determination.</div>
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To prepare the sites for President Hinckley’s visit, I meticulously cleaned the preferred site, levelled the ground and spreading two large trucks of bark chips so the Prophet could walk around safely. To get the best view of the property I brought a man-lift to the site so the prophet could better see the land contours. At 40 feet in the air, I thought he would have a great vantage point. Next, I rented a large van to accommodate everyone traveling with the prophet. I made sure the van was impeccably clean, which led to some curiosity about who was going to be in the van. All I could do was smile as the visit was to be strictly confidential.</div>
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I tried to anticipate every need, including umbrellas just in case of rain. I got a backup vehicle so that nothing could disrupt the tour . December 28th, the date of the prophet’s visit, would be my real Christmas. To maintain security and privacy the prophet and company would fly into the smaller Abbotsford airport in a private jet, furnished by a Church member.</div>
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When the day finally came, of course it rained, but that didn’t dampen my excitement. The jet pulled up, lowered the stairs and I ran out with umbrellas and escorted the Brethren to the van. President Hinckley sat in the front with me. President Monson sat in the second row seats, accompanied by several other brethren including the Church architect,” . Once seated, President Hinckley gave the word, ‘Let’s go,’ and we were off. I soon realized that I was about to have a 51⁄2 hour interview with the Lord’s prophet. “President Christensen, why do we need a temple in Vancouver?” President Hinckley asked. I responded that I felt the spiritual light of a temple would greatly help in spreading the gospel in the area,” . I also detailed the problems members faced trying to cross the border to attend temples in the States. President Hinckley intently listened.</div>
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The search committee had considered 200th Street and the Freeway in Langley the prime site ,and we drove there first. The rain made the road a quagmire. Taking extra precaution, we transferred to a 4×4 van to ensure we could get through the rain-soaked terrain. I had erected a canopy so that our visitors wouldn’t have to stand in the rain. President Hinckley and President Monson examined the property, but instructed the Church architect and one other brother to ascend in the man-lift to take in the birds eye view.</div>
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Once back on the road, President Hinckley asked to be taken to a local chapel. I noticed cars in the parking lot as we drove up and advised President Hinckley that if we entered the building there would be no stopping the spread of the news that the Prophet was in Vancouver. President Hinckley said that would be fine and instructed that we proceed. When he and President Monson walked into the gym, the surprised people decorating for a wedding reception, dropped everything and came running to meet the Prophet. After warm greetings, President Hinckley inspected the chapel and then we returned to the van in order to continue our site visits. As we drove up the street to go around the block, President Hinckley looked to his right and declared, ‘That would be a good site for a temple,’’. A very tall hedge of trees on our right side obstructed the view of the property he was referring to so none of the rest of us saw anything. It took me several hundred yards before I realized what had just happened and I brought the van to a stop. I asked President Hinckley if he would like me to back up so we could see the spot he was referring to. “No, just carry on,” the Prophet said.<a class="no-border" href="https://bcmormons.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/mormon021.jpg" style="-webkit-transition: all 125ms ease-out; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #10b0b8; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 125ms ease-out; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="mormon02" class=" wp-image-75 alignright" height="211" src="https://bcmormons.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/mormon021.jpg?w=332&h=211" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline; float: right; height: auto; margin-left: 24px; margin-right: -72px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="332" /></a></div>
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“As we drove around the city to view the other sites, I had a chance to talk to President Hinckley,” . I told him about the city and the church in the area. To save time we ate lunch while we drove. President Hinckley opened his box lunch and saw an enormous sandwich. “What am I supposed to do with this?” he exclaimed. “Does anyone have a knife?” No one answered. “I leaned over and advised President Hinckley that he would have to ‘break bread’,” . After a while I became aware of the fact that no one else was joining in our conversation. The others were reverently respecting the prophet’s need to ponder and maintain his focus. Although I had much I wished to discuss, I realized that I should keep quiet as well. During the 5 1⁄2 hour trip the Prophet stayed sharp and perfectly alert. “President Hinckley was truly magnified and given strength to fulfill this most important assignment.</div>
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The next day the temple department in Salt Lake City called. “Please get all the information you can get on that property the Prophet identified as a ‘good site’ for a temple,” they said. The property wasn’t one of those being considered nor was it for sale. I went directly to the site. As I walked past the hedge we had driven by, I saw what the Prophet had perceived. I then realized that I had witnessed the Prophet of God exercise his priesthood as a Seer. Nestled in a lovely setting with trees all around, stood a beautiful spot at the peak of the largest hill in the area. It felt like the right place. I took pictures of the area, got information on the property from city hall and sent it to Church headquarters. The next day I received yet another call. “That’s it, find out who owns it and let’s get to work.”</div>
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After finalizing the negotiations for the purchase of the several lots that comprised the property, I addressed many of the obstacles to developing that site including the lack of a adequate sewer line, no storm drainage line,a requirement for parkland, necessary school facilities,inadequate roads and a non-conforming zoning. As I struggled to overcome these problems the temple department instructed me to just keep working at it and keep them posted as to my progress. I met many times with the appropriate city officials discussing and reviewing each of the obstacles. Eventually all the problems were resolved and we received “green light” from the city. I have never before seen so many concessions granted on one application.Truly, hearts had been softened by the Spirit. The perfect spot for the Vancouver British Columbia Temple stands witness to a Prophet’s vision and the fulfillment of the Lord’s will.</div>
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– Paul Christensen</div>
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David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-35241770900056714112015-05-06T14:55:00.001-06:002015-05-06T14:55:38.822-06:00Beautiful BC<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>You know how those license plates say Beautiful British Columbia? It's true. Last Saturday we went to Abbotsford (east) for a Family History thing. I think it was Roots Day or Root Tech day or something like that all over. Anyway, I just wanted to post a couple of photos. The second is the Abbotsford Stake Center. It is in a beautiful area. Then, directly across the street is this religious building, which is actually the first photo. You can guess the first photo is not an LDS Stake Center. It is a Sikh Temple. In June in downtown Surrey, they had a Sikh parade--the biggest parade outside of India. I plan to go next year. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1bGScMHFhph1pvsK9cTB-O74oMoFbzSwRl2keOHKGkHxzzlsvkTcNxgG0bSqJDOPRioAzbGOvpbK_ZCIxlQbs5n_QEJK8oQen1mPQkl2XGqiIF9Y7xqSHgTKNDN1MI-TzKuTqfwk4kd1/s640/blogger-image--1417905019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1bGScMHFhph1pvsK9cTB-O74oMoFbzSwRl2keOHKGkHxzzlsvkTcNxgG0bSqJDOPRioAzbGOvpbK_ZCIxlQbs5n_QEJK8oQen1mPQkl2XGqiIF9Y7xqSHgTKNDN1MI-TzKuTqfwk4kd1/s640/blogger-image--1417905019.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnNjmftX4plbvrrcUp_3oSAYQNW8JCOxiFK3tSff5MMa6J7qIJ6cMtkSrswO-cIDD_tgkifb4iJGR9-doliskFnoJ874oO0YKfvknXfxUUBi5vhZ_cyQOz8dpncFxkGrARNX29CddEQzS/s640/blogger-image-1270702741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnNjmftX4plbvrrcUp_3oSAYQNW8JCOxiFK3tSff5MMa6J7qIJ6cMtkSrswO-cIDD_tgkifb4iJGR9-doliskFnoJ874oO0YKfvknXfxUUBi5vhZ_cyQOz8dpncFxkGrARNX29CddEQzS/s640/blogger-image-1270702741.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were out walking the other day and want to show you what old cars in the backyard look like in our area. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk5jZsFkqHxlfiS6e3VC4y5i5whgu74_YdhpSKbnakwG04wygDhHRZ3y316JVGq8A2dXHn9J8qwb8R_gIFJ4EbGd_Tdzh4jnuGe_Sb8mmDO9sp52WA2Sk5Sd_G0Mvnx91h_ecd3v2OXqs/s640/blogger-image--494345208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk5jZsFkqHxlfiS6e3VC4y5i5whgu74_YdhpSKbnakwG04wygDhHRZ3y316JVGq8A2dXHn9J8qwb8R_gIFJ4EbGd_Tdzh4jnuGe_Sb8mmDO9sp52WA2Sk5Sd_G0Mvnx91h_ecd3v2OXqs/s640/blogger-image--494345208.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgArCsBqjLG42w_tkMaJI_QPb8hZ7-5EPslTnBd2xbzuzS_rhhRe9YjCrS1DfTrHJjzpacF6Mj58KCerIozP6eK_WSGfzHFdOE-jtPa5_4iZd-tTbnOIB2I1Z4JUxg6Tv4cr-9JcDcen1Y/s640/blogger-image-1991526714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgArCsBqjLG42w_tkMaJI_QPb8hZ7-5EPslTnBd2xbzuzS_rhhRe9YjCrS1DfTrHJjzpacF6Mj58KCerIozP6eK_WSGfzHFdOE-jtPa5_4iZd-tTbnOIB2I1Z4JUxg6Tv4cr-9JcDcen1Y/s640/blogger-image-1991526714.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-76145014575271475732015-05-04T15:47:00.000-06:002015-05-06T14:29:19.947-06:00Monday Morning at.the Office Monday Morning May 4, 2015 (Happy Birthday Dana)<br>
<br>
The President sends newsletters on Mondays and there was a great response from a sister who is going home next week. It brightened my day, so I am sending you her last entry.<br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, Sister Evans and I took our car in for an oil
change so we went out to street contact while it was being done. There were not
many people out, but we stopped to talk to a young man about 19-20 years old.
He had spoken with missionaries before and decided to tell us all about why he
believes Christianity to be false.. we sat patiently listening.. knowing full
well that he was not interested and that there was little that we could say to
change his mind, if he ever let us get a word in - but we stood patiently
listening, occasionally responding.. about 10 minutes later, we excused
ourselves to continue our journey... Nothing out of the ordinary...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, a 12 year old girl from our ward ran up to me and
patiently waited to talk with me.. When I turned to her she said, "I saw
you!! I saw you!!! You were teaching a boy outside of the Fire Station.
We were driving by and I got to see you teaching somebody about Jesus!!! It was
so cool!!! I am so happy I got to see you teach!!!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My lesson: Sometimes I do the things I do, not because
of the things that I get to see and know.. but because of what others see and
that is really important! :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know the church is true. The Book of Mormon is true. We
have a Prophet on the Earth today! The gospel is so good! I am so grateful for
the last 18 months and how they have shaped me.I look forward to opening the
next chapter of my life.. Thank you for sharing this chapter with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love you to Kolob and Back!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I guess we should all try to do what we do because others are watching, and we do represent the Savior wherever we are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love you all to Kolob and Back</span></div>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-14428420406929357782015-04-26T20:30:00.000-06:002015-04-26T20:38:57.485-06:00A Garden Stroll With a "Little" Fish & Chips200+ missionaries and 100+ cars can generate a lot of work for senior missionary couples serving in the office. This week was no exception, so we were happy to see P-day come along. After doing a little cleaning and laundry, we were ready for a little R&R. Fortunate for us, British Columbia is home of abundant lush parks and botanical gardens. So many gardens, so little time...<br />
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This week, we headed East to the city of Surrey, home of Darts Hill Garden Park. It seems that some time around 1920, newlyweds Francisca and Edwin Darts bought a wooded, sloped acreage, and proceeded with their own hands, to build their home and clear the land. </div>
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Over the following 70+ years, they blasted stumps, tore out brush, graded land, installed meandering pathways, and planted and nursed some most unique and beautiful trees and perennials over the entire hillside.<br />
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In 1994, still alive, but too aged to manage the garden's demands, the Darts donated it to the city of Surrey, for preservation, enhancement, and development of a horticultural center,</div>
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for the preservation, enhancement, and development of the unique plants, to be open and free to the public. Of course they do accept donations and volunteer work, and they do sell yearly memberships, starting at just $20, which buys you all sorts of garden perks.</div>
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So, for a small donation, which we were happy to give, we entered "free" and spent a couple of hours enjoying the work of Francisca, Edwin, and the Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society.<br />
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Then, we headed South to the harbor/beach community of White Rock for some of the best Fish and Chips we've ever had (British style). Check out the size of those hunks of halibut. A broad peninsula that juts out into Boundary Bay, between the US and BC, White Rock has a sort of Laguna Beach/Hippy feel with a long strip of shops and walk-up seafood restaurants along<br />
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the beach. We stopped at Coney Island Restaurant, which came highly recommended by locals for its huge hunks of fish. Also frequenting Coney Island were some interesting characters in interesting garb. This guy, for instance, remains loyal to the Motherland.<br />
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Then we crossed the street onto the beach. Tide was out, so all you get to see in this selfie is a few tide pools, as backdrop to this contented couple, happy to be alive and to be serving here in British Columbia. The work is satisfying. The cause is just and true. The World needs it. We are blessed.</div>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-80412740639129263682015-04-19T21:00:00.000-06:002015-04-19T21:00:34.776-06:00Ducks in the Pond Quack a Happy SongI was walking in the park last week, and I heard this duck quacking really loud. We have been watching the ducks for the last few weeks. The males are really pretty, and the females are mostly brown with just a few colored feathers. We have noticed that they have all paired up. They may have been paired up for a long time, but we gradually noticed it being more pronounced. Sometimes in the early morning we would see them out walking on the lawns, but usually they just go up and down the little stream in the park. A few weeks ago I did notice that there seemed to be one more female than male in the whole group. I wasn't sure, but I couldn't see a male with this particular duck. When I started walking last week, I saw only one pair of ducks. They were on the grass, quite a way from the stream, and I think they were sleeping. They had their heads down under their wings. Then I was over by the steam and heard this loud quacking. It didn't take me long to fid this one duck, all by herself floating down the stream and quacking. I don't know what she was doing, but it made me feel really sad that she was all by herself, since the whole group has gone. Notice, I am avoiding that phrase "flown the coop."
In the last two weeks we have had four missionaries go home early. It's really hard. They each, I believe, have some big challenges they are dealing with. Sometimes, no matter what we do, life is hard. There is no way to soften the blow of some of these difficulties. The problem for me is that I love these young missionaries, and I am really sad for them. I will miss them.
When I was at the airport a few weeks ago I saw this teeny little bird flying around. There are quite a few of them that live right by the parking garage at the airport. This scripture immediately came to my mind. Matthew 10: 29-31
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
He knows when the sparrow falls. He knows when a little duck is left all my herself. Most importantly, he knows when missionaries have to go home early and they are hurting, and their family is hurting and we are hurting. He knows. He loves us all perfectly. He is there to comfort each of us. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, he knows exactly how we feel, and his arms are always stretched out to us. It is a perfect plan, and I am so grateful for a Father and Son who know us better than we know ourselves and love us perfectly. The 'very hairs of your head are all numbered." It is a very comforting plan.David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-7515835996227236612015-04-11T16:49:00.001-06:002015-04-11T23:08:28.998-06:00Maggie Rae VanderLouw's Special Day<div>
Our mission president encouraged us to take a few days away to attend a special family event. So yesterday, we drove South across the border, and then about 6 hours East to Spokane, Washington,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n03o2iw0YQHKM5zBg_DN1VMYf0QNdhWepfvYAe-p1viLilERR1j_ZU6HRjtwlSuzCa7Bi1VM0pXmT7XoZfPY3gXdppPXas9KsME0QckmMoFSx_dRERNj7ZY2wg2FXdcQii3QrS3z2Vl7/s640/blogger-image--14237918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n03o2iw0YQHKM5zBg_DN1VMYf0QNdhWepfvYAe-p1viLilERR1j_ZU6HRjtwlSuzCa7Bi1VM0pXmT7XoZfPY3gXdppPXas9KsME0QckmMoFSx_dRERNj7ZY2wg2FXdcQii3QrS3z2Vl7/s640/blogger-image--14237918.jpg" /></a> where today, our beautiful granddaughter Maggie VanderLouw (center, all white) was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost by her dad, Ray.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcs18xO1USyCuYVP_pNZ_JpTMw367WCQ0rAH4MUrdykvRcQY8ytqVTuPpQAp1dwUWeQ9lJ93pRyyatJBwpqnQZYs_UI7ozk-dKvnjCvcFvFpDeEr7PHTlKvBurz9nklUYtyEmo2itJvTjY/s640/blogger-image--1599374980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcs18xO1USyCuYVP_pNZ_JpTMw367WCQ0rAH4MUrdykvRcQY8ytqVTuPpQAp1dwUWeQ9lJ93pRyyatJBwpqnQZYs_UI7ozk-dKvnjCvcFvFpDeEr7PHTlKvBurz9nklUYtyEmo2itJvTjY/s640/blogger-image--1599374980.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then, per our family tradition, we assembled our mock-up Celestial gate... </div>
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...and Maggie added her signature to the gate, symbolizing her qualification for entry into the Celestial Kingdom.</div>
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For those who are not LDS, our doctrine stipulates the ordinance of baptism by priesthood authority as the gateway into into The Kingdom of God, or the Celestial Kingdom. Baptism is symbolic of rebirth, available to those who thereby accept Christ as Savior and commit to follow Him throughout their lives, repenting as often as need be, to allow the saving grace of His atonement to work in their lives. We believe, and invite all to come unto Christ. </div>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-53844215827955315342015-04-10T09:10:00.001-06:002015-04-10T09:10:13.714-06:00April 1 Departing MissionariesThe missionaries in front of our beautiful Temple. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08uYKkpOqxmjB0yDFWXDdf7uWHcqLRa2BaG1lp1f6pjDIVzMbIJrrCZKCuvUS4CwiQ3vZ4Wmkl8eiTJaQxYS8n9raG8hbq0POj58dcUkXxy6qLpd4DUJeHm5sCqGvCV62UoUyVadcFWUv/s640/blogger-image-1379686893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08uYKkpOqxmjB0yDFWXDdf7uWHcqLRa2BaG1lp1f6pjDIVzMbIJrrCZKCuvUS4CwiQ3vZ4Wmkl8eiTJaQxYS8n9raG8hbq0POj58dcUkXxy6qLpd4DUJeHm5sCqGvCV62UoUyVadcFWUv/s640/blogger-image-1379686893.jpg"></a></div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-76984224428123559872015-04-09T09:39:00.000-06:002015-04-09T09:39:06.146-06:00Missionary ExperiencesA few weeks ago I was talking to a missionary who had left the mission for a while and come back. About 18 months into his mission, he had to go home for gall bladder surgery. He went home, had the surgery and ended up being home for quite a few months. After being home for so long he had gotten a job, and just the day before this experience he had visited with his Stake President and they had decided that it was time for him to be honorably released and move on with his non mission life. He had been accepted to school and it seemed to be the correct choice. He went to work a day or so later. I don't remember what he told me he did, but it seems like it was kind of a handy man. He went to this apartment complex, and as he was walking in he saw two missionaries going into a house. He went to his assigned job and again, as he was leaving, he saw these same two missionaries walking down the street. The Spirit washed over him and he knew that he had not yet completed his mission. He needed to return to Canada. He contacted his Stake President and returned last September. I met him a week or so after we started working in the office in February. One of my jobs is sending letters to parents and others notifying them of the missionary's return date and other pertinent information. I asked him about his mom because she lives in Pocatello, so we became Idaho friends. Last week he was again in the office with all the other departing missionaries. He told me this story, and said it was a defining moment in his life. Now, truly, his mission was finished. <br />
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These young people are making some of the most important decisions of their lives. It strengthens my testimony to know how closely the Lord monitors all of our lives. He will gently nudge us in the right direction. Even if we don't always go in that direction, He never gives up. We can never give up either on those we love, for whatever reason. We should especially never give up on ourselves.<br />
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The Church is true. These missions are training grounds for all of us. I'm so grateful to be here.David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-5671390521729755832015-04-05T22:38:00.001-06:002015-04-06T00:41:31.232-06:00Watching General Conference in BC<div dir="ltr">
British Columbia, and particularly Vancouver and the Lower Mainland have become a prolific melting pot, as people from many lands immigrate here, hoping to find a better life. Today, when</div>
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we went to our stake center to watch General Conference, we found that 5 rooms throughout the building had been set up with monitors for broadcasting all sessions in 6 different languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Korean. Some of the Saints here joined the Church in their homelands, but many others have come from the efforts of our missionaries who are here teaching the gospel in all those languages, except Russian. Some of them are teaching immigrants from their own countries, in their native tongues, but many more come from somewhere else, and learn the languages from scratch. Off the top of my head, I can think of missionaries from USA, Canada, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Palau, Mexico, Brazil, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Phillipines, Micronesia, Australia, and England.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAjosnL1a1mjPBv2udQVNvt8GdZA6y59xYjETn1hUHwwoNE31eba-59rmwJGVdOLmWnJuxgvbasEL625zTljwRXFBoxC8gdgBHhRtJ18GA1UfB8BG5SycSUPAX0ssqu2altIBFauwreIp/s1600/20150301_183240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAjosnL1a1mjPBv2udQVNvt8GdZA6y59xYjETn1hUHwwoNE31eba-59rmwJGVdOLmWnJuxgvbasEL625zTljwRXFBoxC8gdgBHhRtJ18GA1UfB8BG5SycSUPAX0ssqu2altIBFauwreIp/s640/20150301_183240.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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I think I posted this photo before, but these two are from Taiwan and Hong Kong. They are companions and teach in Cantonese and Mandarin, and somehow they communicate with each other and with the rest of us as well. Obviously, English becomes our common bond. So, some of these young people have to learn to function in two languages that are not their native tongue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSYTqmUXB8WZ-a9T0xib2tcff3uaYHFw5Adr3DwGaMd0GK17b4KMj9iEGTjb56KRuSlu-Xvok1vHg47yQv5yxCtrP1euw_1ZRJkdBJHOHA9r2h536PXKFrEpTozeSPhy3uxke9a8Fq8-8/s1600/photo%2525202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSYTqmUXB8WZ-a9T0xib2tcff3uaYHFw5Adr3DwGaMd0GK17b4KMj9iEGTjb56KRuSlu-Xvok1vHg47yQv5yxCtrP1euw_1ZRJkdBJHOHA9r2h536PXKFrEpTozeSPhy3uxke9a8Fq8-8/s640/photo%2525202.JPG" /></a>These are our homies, the Korean speakers, pictured here with Mission President Burt and his wife, Leslie. On the left is Elder Kim, born in Korea, but moved with his family to Nampa, Idaho when he was about 10 years old. So he is fluent in Korean and English. Love this kid. He keeps me afloat at church as he translates what Korean I don't get, which is most of it. A funny little story about Elder Kim: knowing that there are also a lot of Chinese people here, and that it is difficult to tell the two apart, I asked him how they find the Koreans when they are making public contacts. He told me today's Koreans are quite trendy, and for some reason, they love New Balance shoes. So, these Elders just go out among the crowds and strike up conversations with people wearing New Balance shoes. Next is Elder Okamoto. That's Japanese, right? Well, his mother is American, but his father (never been in his life) was half Korean and half Japanese. Elder O grew up in Las Vegas where he joined the Church about two years ago. He arrived here from the Korean MTC (Provo) about 3 weeks ago. He already speaks better Korean than I do. Next is Elder Porter, just a good ole white boy from S. Utah, who has been here just over a year, and is doing very well for having started the language from scratch. Speaking of scratch, he is a scratch golfer who has a golf scholarship waiting for him when he gets home. Regardless of nationality, language, or assignment, what these young missionaries all seem to have in common is a strong testimony in the truthfulness of the gospel and a deep desire to share their message with the world. They are much more prepared and focused than I remember missionaries being when I was in their shoes 45 years ago. I have yet to meet any who are not intent in their purpose and who do not reflect the joy that comes from knowing the truth and being confident in your purpose. With their limited life experience, they can be a little scatterbrained when it comes to driving mission vehicles, sometimes presenting headaches for the fleet coordinator (me,) but they make up for it in spirit and motivation. I am confident that the future of the Church and the world is in good hands.</div>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-71379388476331316172015-04-05T20:41:00.001-06:002015-04-05T20:41:56.022-06:00Departing Sisters<p dir="ltr">Left to right, standing: Sisters Lee, Spuhler, Thomson (from Pocatello), Manaso, Flinders, Larsen, Wood, Heggie, Sanders, me.<br>
Sitting: Neubert, Settle, Pavone.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Love these ladies.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RHTkD9F3t-w8OcDf6JnUuiKCAuunn3nvpts_cil3dyg-G4z2IpFCFRFMX73_Ek7204D6FZ12ftUgZYXwLDAYRzjq6J71ivGA4w65rxFVaQHMP9RT6YZHYQHhspeooZZpnfZT5yL2P1hh/s1600/20150331_164938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RHTkD9F3t-w8OcDf6JnUuiKCAuunn3nvpts_cil3dyg-G4z2IpFCFRFMX73_Ek7204D6FZ12ftUgZYXwLDAYRzjq6J71ivGA4w65rxFVaQHMP9RT6YZHYQHhspeooZZpnfZT5yL2P1hh/s640/20150331_164938.jpg"> </a> </div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-596066880194338432015-04-03T12:24:00.001-06:002015-04-03T12:24:01.404-06:00Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYFk_4C1Q-iQ9XldDkcdORD2LeVqhdIaoAWbGu3qu4bompImoOiFvYAp24hrr4CzRqXn2FwS92EKXqFOY7N5vV554RMF1QTpJDO451DJIjx9weHwFbC-rhcr85JPME8XeqCUmUz9YnzDK/s640/blogger-image-511827950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYFk_4C1Q-iQ9XldDkcdORD2LeVqhdIaoAWbGu3qu4bompImoOiFvYAp24hrr4CzRqXn2FwS92EKXqFOY7N5vV554RMF1QTpJDO451DJIjx9weHwFbC-rhcr85JPME8XeqCUmUz9YnzDK/s640/blogger-image-511827950.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixMieDagBzpLhk-5vsNeyn9GCvhO_NVAJ9cRvyZKswNVgHLJetFsDRFm2rkACDsmgmmuYnhP20M36YdyUrEM0hxJf89M1-sALGLt8SPzmqgvt2l8AZoCzclrO9wao-vyvVubxPXBVimDt/s640/blogger-image--518232431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixMieDagBzpLhk-5vsNeyn9GCvhO_NVAJ9cRvyZKswNVgHLJetFsDRFm2rkACDsmgmmuYnhP20M36YdyUrEM0hxJf89M1-sALGLt8SPzmqgvt2l8AZoCzclrO9wao-vyvVubxPXBVimDt/s640/blogger-image--518232431.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithMqiOItaZq_H_hvHOs7UnADIvSDzlVtZ6CBFwf9y_So2jO1apV_U8OJy_LiMJ9PVwNslmZK-NaRXn7dxvsIeph1xqXY-EdhOyJFf5obLgTP2CDm76b1qBuo8MU3IIePUlwsKdZ0Od9O1/s640/blogger-image-82471245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithMqiOItaZq_H_hvHOs7UnADIvSDzlVtZ6CBFwf9y_So2jO1apV_U8OJy_LiMJ9PVwNslmZK-NaRXn7dxvsIeph1xqXY-EdhOyJFf5obLgTP2CDm76b1qBuo8MU3IIePUlwsKdZ0Od9O1/s640/blogger-image-82471245.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEtVKH-LDrcgT0YWBzl7WDmo6O7BFTlQo3H05tF0wKfMSfG73viSY1a3vZlQ6UwygtGoUCHss8ViJAGjXWs1kfX_h08eeW1YaUgJ5DHedH9lRL4zKWI1Y0RWiig3gYV7L0CS4z1DtOIMT/s640/blogger-image--1912956934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEtVKH-LDrcgT0YWBzl7WDmo6O7BFTlQo3H05tF0wKfMSfG73viSY1a3vZlQ6UwygtGoUCHss8ViJAGjXWs1kfX_h08eeW1YaUgJ5DHedH9lRL4zKWI1Y0RWiig3gYV7L0CS4z1DtOIMT/s640/blogger-image--1912956934.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgIpsZ-84tV-6x1woU6WZMZ2eus0mhM-e5SfAKwAPL5-TpzcbFXoqMUTYsdDXPMH0B9OzGqUmkIFidrlQ3TygG18cmJGHlCNSxpyORo0QHICLlKV3nCIOKtDqyeelmSGJU6PnTMuxZuGv/s640/blogger-image--1353148278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgIpsZ-84tV-6x1woU6WZMZ2eus0mhM-e5SfAKwAPL5-TpzcbFXoqMUTYsdDXPMH0B9OzGqUmkIFidrlQ3TygG18cmJGHlCNSxpyORo0QHICLlKV3nCIOKtDqyeelmSGJU6PnTMuxZuGv/s640/blogger-image--1353148278.jpg"></a></div>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-72000698889244380062015-04-03T09:12:00.000-06:002015-04-03T09:33:56.987-06:00Happy Good FridayGood Friday is a major holiday in Canada. Even our gym is closed. The Burnaby Ward in Vancouver has a breakfast every year for their ward on this day. It is an annual tradition. It's a good thing. It is a day we celebrate (funny word) the suffering and crucifixion of our Savior. Google says it is traditionally a day of fasting and penance. It certainly shouldn't be called 'good.' But, I am really glad it is celebrated and I hope many people reflect on the Savior more today. <br />
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However, not everything is closed on Easter, the day we should celebrate as much as any day of the year,. It is the day we commemorate the resurrection, the day when we are all freed from the "chains of death," thanks to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. In fact, part of each sabbath day we should celebrate the resurrection. The gym is not closed on that day, but has limited hours. Society does not always get these things quite right, but like I said, I am grateful that Good Friday is recognized. I am so grateful for the gift of the resurrection and the possibility of eternal life through Him. Happy Easter everyone. <br />
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I am entering a post I made at the airport earlier this week on Facebook. The second set of missionaries went home and came into the mission since we arrived. It is all very emotional. Surprising how much we grow to love people in such a short time. <br />
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April 1, 2015<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Still at the airport. We have only been here two months, but it is really hard telling these missionaries goodbye. They might think they are leaving the hard stuff behind, but they are not. I hope they will keep working to make the world and their lives better. The first pix is a statue at the airport. The next two are the Women's Broadcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sister Spuhler and I got a few sisters together and watched it at the Richmond, BC building Saturd</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">ay night. I am so grateful for my husband, my children, grandchildren, parents and the rest of my wonderful family, which is central to God's plan for our eternal destiny. I am also blessed beyond words to have been able to be a homemaker all the years our children were growing up. Many careers are important to society, but this particular career was very significant to our family. David also was a homemaker as were our children. We did it together. We are still doing it.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Don't have time to add photos this morning. Will add tonight. Happy Good Friday! #BCRealMormons</span>David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-75187118313101428772015-03-24T12:11:00.001-06:002015-03-24T12:11:28.322-06:00The language barrier<p dir="ltr">Today I got a call from a concerned friend <u>of</u> a concerned parent. This elders mom doesn't speak English and so he, Douglas called for her.  She heard from the elder's  brother that <u>our</u> elder had been beat up and had to go to the hospital.  I was shocked.  We had heard nothing about this, so I told him I would call and find out what had happened. I called the zone leaders. They knew nothing.  I called the elder.  He kind of laughed and told me he was fine.  He had been to neither a  doctor or the hospital.  So I call back Douglas and try to reassure him that the elder is just fine. <u>He</u> quizzes me and tells me if the elder is just trying to protect his mom it is not working.  She has a condition and is very upset. I told him I would check again and call him back. I call again to double check.  The elder tells me he is fine.  I ask him what he could have possibly said to his brother, the culprit in all this, to make him think he had been beat up. Then! He  tells me he told his brother he FELT like he had been punched in the face.  Ahhhh.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I called back Douglas and he finally understood, but still wanted to talk to the elder or have the elder email his mom.  I told him I was sorry, but not allowed.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">Five minutes later the elder calls me, worried about his mom.  I told him I think i got the message across.  He'll have to explain on Monday when he emails home.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">The language barrier a big challenges.  I've seen some of the difficulties in the last week trying to communicate with some Koreans..We have to keep persisting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I love all of you.  I hope I have communicated that clearly.  We love Canada.</p>
David and Debbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397313447137818213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113767935196076705.post-62332121232571716782015-03-22T22:33:00.001-06:002015-03-22T22:33:26.715-06:00Scenes From my Morning Walk<p dir="ltr">Strangely there is no appreciable smog in this metropolis, but fog often comes our way, and it can deliver some splendiferous effects, as evidenced during <u>a</u> morning walk in the park across the street from our apartment:</p>
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